Don't get too comfortable.....

Don't get too comfortable.....with yourself!

I want it now. I want it my way. If I don't get it from you than I will get it from someone else. I have the resources to do it. In fact, I don't need anyone to get it! I can do it myself!!!! It doesn't matter what you think.

Sound familiar? Just one thing though . . . No matter who we may think we are  and what we think we can get away with, God knows! Everything matters to God! Check out Acts 5 . . . God knew!

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.  And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.  And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things (Acts 5:3-11)

Do not get too comfortable with the things of this world and what it deems acceptable!

On trial, but would we be convicted?

On trial, but would we be convicted? Is there enough evidence?

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. (Acts 4:15-21)

Peter and John were out on trial for preaching about Jesus and healing in His name. The evidence was right before them in person. Yet even when commanded not to continue, they boldly said they could not help but to continue!  They were convicted of living a life witness for Christ! However, they were also convicted to continue . . . .

What about you and me? Could a counsel of judges and lawyers call witnesses to convict us of living a CHRIST-centered life? Would we continue even if threatened with jail or worse? Hummmmm.......

We are on trial daily, but are we convicted?

Are we entitled to more?

Many of us today, young and old, especially in the U.S., believe we are entitled to everything . . . housing, food, insurance, and even jobs! We do not believe in the work hard for what you need/want in life approach. In my experience as a missionary, I have seen and witnessed thousands with so much less yet so much more grateful for what they do have. It has been a life-changing experience to say the least! I am so grateful.

And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. (Acts 3:4-9)

In Acts 3 we see Peter and John giving a beggar what he needs, not what he wants. God offers us what our soul needs . . . salvation! We are entitled to death (separation from God) yet He offers an eternal relationship with Him through Christ Jesus. Is that not enough? Are we entitled to more? Whatever we receive beyond that should be enough . . . a vehicle, a home, some clothes, an education, a way to provide for needs, etc.

Is it possible to begin to be a bit more thankful for what we have and less focused on what we want?

Ridiculous challenges? Nothing new!

Facing ridiculous challenges in 2020? It's nothing new!Back in the Book of Acts there were a few hundred who were faced with a life threatening decision: Do I follow Christ in the midst of torture and death, or choose a more comfortable life of going with the crowd and keeping my faith quiet? These few were challenged to share the Good News of a Savior Who was recently murdered by the same people with whom they would share the Gospel! However, nothing is impossible with God!(Matthew 19:26)

You see, once the disciples received the Holy Spirit, they were able to accomplish the tasks ahead. When God calls, guides and directs, He also provides! 

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:3-4)

We go on to read that over 3,000 were saved as they heard the Gospel that day in their native language! (Acts 2:42) What will God be able to do through us as we trust Him through ridiculous challenges and impossible situations? Do we not possess that very same Spirit inside each of us? Are our challenges so severe? Even if they are, look what the early followers of Christ did! Look what hundreds are doing worldwide despite challenges!

Not many of us will be faced to die for Christ, but we are challenged to live for Him! I choose this day to live for Him, and if need be, yes, to die for Him! (Joshua 24:15) Ridiculous challenges are nothing new for the believing CHRISTian!

Praying for revival . . .one soul at a time.

Bear with me these next few weeks as I focus on a personal and now public journey toward absolute surrender of my soul, my life to be Spirit of God. Lord, revive me and those around me, one soul at a time!

As with those left behind when Jesus ascended into heaven, we too can rest assured that Jesus has ahead of us. We do not need to fear the future, or even what today has in store. God knows! In order to be changed, radically changed for Christ, it must begin within the soul.

And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8)

Every born again believer has this Spirit within them. Will we allow Him complete control to guide and direct our souls to then move within our lives?

Praying for revival . . . one soul at a time!

DIOS es AMOR!💞

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

(I John 4:7 NKJV)

LOVE what you said....LOVE the picture....LOVE my job...."I LOVE you".

We throw the word around so often today...LOVE. Yet if one does not know Christ in a personal way, LOVE is impossible!

Have you gotten to know this God....this Savior...this One Who so LOVED this world that He offered up His Son as a sacrifice for us all to know His LOVE?(John 3:16)

God is LOVE! DIOS es AMOR!💞
(1 John 4:8)

"Why not me, God?"

....rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

(Romans 12:12 NKJV)

Anybody out there just waiting....waiting, as my father-in-law says, "For that ship to come in"?

While we do hope for that coming of Christ and await that day we will be with Him, we also have physical hopes and dreams. Sometimes we even wonder "Why not me, God?"

I must admit, it has been a struggle lately! The more I try to get closer to God the more challenges come my way. It's been a different kind of Christmas as well..... less material things than we are used to, separated from my bride as she travels to be with our oldest son, and not able to see all our brands. Satan doesn't like it that I am seeking after God and anticipating Him to be God in my life. I need Him like never before!

Born to die....

Born to die....

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,But a body You have prepared for Me.In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin,You had no pleasure.Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—In the volume of the book it is written of Me—To do Your will, O God.’ ”(Hebrews 10:5-7)

On Christmas Eve while others focus on gifts and shopping...remember Jesus...the baby in the barn...was born to die!

A different CHRISTmas story . . . . Will you tell it?

A different CHRISTmas story . . . . Will you tell it? 

‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’  But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.  And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’“ Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house,  for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”(Luke 16:24-31)

Will you tell this story? (2 Timothy 2:15) Will you let others know about CHRIST this CHRISTmas? How many really know?  How many will stand before Christ and beg for a second chance? It is not to late!

Peace on earth?

Peace on earth? Really? Right now? Yes! Ok . . .  How? I am glad you asked!

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.  And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.(2Thessalonians 3:13-16)

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You,  because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever . . . . (Isaiah 26:3-4)

 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18)

Want peace? Take this Godly advice:

Keep doing good.

Stay away from bad company.

Trust in God, not man.

Don't hold grudges; live at peace with everyone.

There will be peace . . . HIS Peace . . . . Maybe not on earth but in your own heart!

Many times God does not meet our expectations. Big truss!!!!

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,  he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation

Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,  and the glory of Your people Israel.”

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”(Luke 2:25-35)

Simeon waited.  God came through. He saw the Savior. The Jews waited. God came through. Simeon was satisfied. The Jews were not! Many times God does not meet our expectations. Rather, He exceeds them!

Jesus did not come as a conquering King over Rome, but a conquering Savior over sin. Which is better? Which is best for each of us? What are asking of God this CHRISTmas? Allow God to do more. Trust Him more . . .Big truss!!!!

 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.(Hebrews 11:1)